By Thomas Wootton
With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Christmas as a result of the ongoing pandemic and restrictions, a Holmfirth firm has found a way for businesses to still celebrate Christmas.
Enact solutions, a drama-based learning provider that helps businesses to promote key messages, has launched a virtual shindig.
In a statement, Enact Solutions said: “As you know festive team celebrations, company parties and festive meals are going to be a bit of a challenge this year. So, we’ve had a bit of a fun idea!
“We’ve created a virtual festive extravaganza for your team.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live creative director Helen Lacey said the idea for the virtual shindigs came from a resilience and well being meeting on the current pandemic when the participants said they really missed seeing and connecting with their work colleagues.
The virtual shindigs, to be delivered over zoom, consist of 75-minute live events.
This includes Interactive activities and challenges, funny sketches, shout outs, tailored jokes and thank you messages.
Hosting the virtual shindigs are theatre and pantomime actors, including award-winning comedy-vocalist Tam Ryan and ex-Coronation Street and northern actor Marvyn Dickinson.
Tam Ryan, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: ” It’s a fantastic idea and a brand new venture which will hopefully gain widespread appeal.
“While we are having a lot of fun as we go, we hope the virtual shindigs will help to re-energise the drama and theatre industry that has been devastated by the recent pandemic”.
Although aimed for all businesses, Enact Solutions has already seen booking from big businesses such as banks and councils.
The shindigs cater for between 20 and 400 people and cost £1,500 with VAT included for up to 50 attendees.
Businesses that book a virtual shindig can use the annual tax deductible allowance of £150 per head.
Enact Solutions said: “We’re donating £50 from every booking to the amazing charity 500 Acts of Kindness.”
The Charity – set up by former Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh – raises money through a fundraiser promoted on Facebook and Twitter.
Every member donates £1 weekly with the aim to raise £500 a week.
The raised money goes to helping a nominated person which includes women fleeing domestic violence, bereaved parents and families overwhelmed by rent issues.